River Valley Paragliding Training Area - Van Buren, Arkansas

S Reaves

You can’t say enough about Britton Shaw and his River Valley Paragliding Training. Britton is widely renowned as being a top-notch PG/PPG, truly one of the very best. With unmatched patience, he has changed the lives of me and those around me. Britton makes it a sheer pleasure to train and learn to fly.
And absolutely nothing is skipped. We learn basic connections, equipment, kiting, wing control, active flying, weather, reserves, aviation theory, decision-making … it really goes on and on. Everything!
And the course is never over. I’m blessed to know that Britton will always be a mentor, guide, and friend to me, my partner, my son, and daughter-in-law - we all signed up. And we will join Britton in the sky for many years I hope.
This may all sound contrived but it’s true. I can’t say enough about this instructor’s course, his methods, professionalism, and enthusiasm. Happy flying!

john geoffroy

By far one of the best instructors I’ve ever had! I have taken multiple classes in different disciplines, but I have never had an instructor that has been as enthusiastic, patient, and informative as Britton. Definitely a subject matter expert.

Tom Heald

I trained with Britton Shaw a year and a half ago. I could not be more happy with my training. I learned PG first and then moved to PPG. His number one priority is your safety. His approach to training is excellent. He moves you along as fast as you are capable of learning but never puts anyone at risk. Not only is he a first rate instructor but an incredible pilot himself. I would highly recommend Britton and River Valley Paragliding to anyone looking to get in the sport. One of the great things about his teaching is "once a student, always a student". Even though I am out flying on my own, he is always available to answer questions and provide feedback. I trust Britton so much that I sent my son there to train!

Matthew Murdock

If you want to fly the right way, then Britton Shaw is your guy. I wouldn’t train under anybody else!

Shelli McDaniel

My husband and I started training with Britton Shaw with River Valley Paragliding to learn PG and PPG last August. Safety is his number 1 priority. He is not going to put anyone in an unsafe position. He has gone above and beyond to make sure we are trained properly and safe at all times.
Pictures, show us on our first mountain flight. There were several new pilots and we had a great experience because we were prepared. We would recommend River Valley Paragliding if you are looking at getting into the sport.

Bob Wood

It is absolutely a wonderful experience. I would recommend Britton Shaw for quality safe training. My first training session was on a flying day. There were a lot of pilots practicing and flying. Britton took time to help me get started with my first task of kiting, the safety instructions, and paragliding etiquette, then gave me plenty of time to train safely on the large flat part of the field. During that time, he helped several of us, pointing out our mistakes and giving us a high-five when it came together. I thoroughly enjoyed the morning. That afternoon I got my first tandem with Britton. This was not just a ride, but hands on training with weight-shift and brake turning training. It was an awesome first day.

In my latest training session, Britton set me up with a different wing and place to learn that was safe. There were lots of advanced pilots (hang-gliders and paragliders) there which gave me great opportunities to ask questions, watch and learn. I got to see everyone launch, including Britton. It was an amazing site to see. Once they all launched, I had plenty of time to train on my own. Later that day, I put my training to use on the small training hill. Britton continued to instruct me every step of the way, always correcting my mistakes, keeping me safe and teaching me how to care for the paraglider, and giving me encouragement as I improved. On my last day there, in the evening session, I was able to get off the ground.

For my sessions, Britton had quite a few students, and he loves to fly. This means you may have to wait to get feedback or ask questions about your training while he is helping others or takes a flight of his own. During this time, I enjoyed all the interactions with the other pilots, watching, learning, making new friends and training on my own. Everyone I met was kind and helpful.

Britton made sure I understood every step. He made sure I knew the process and hazards before increasing my speed so I could launch. He gave me radio instructions while I was working my way down the hill. Britton is patient, passionate, fun, and a very knowledgeable instructor. Again, I will recommend him for anyone who wants to learn paragliding.

A G

Just returned from another EPIC weekend of training with Britton. I can't imagine a more patient, passionate, fun, and knowledgable instructor. Safety is Britton's number one priority; you will not leave the ground until both you and he are certain that you have the skills and confidence to handle any situation/variable that may come up between launch to landing. Already looking forward to next weekend!

Scott Scallion

One of the most knowledgeable caring instructors I have trained with. I’ve trained caving diving for years with top trainers from all over the globe and I know what it means to keep me safe and well trained.
Britton Shaw is the one you want to train you. Period...